acclimate

What does "acclimate" mean?
To acclimate means to gradually adjust or adapt to a new climate, environment, or set of circumstances. Think of it like a plant being moved from a greenhouse to the outdoors; it needs time to get used to the different temperature, light, and humidity before it can thrive in its new home. This term is frequently used in professional or scientific contexts, often regarding moving to a new city with a different climate or starting a demanding new job. It implies a process that takes time and effort, rather than an immediate change. Common collocations include "acclimate to the altitude" or "acclimate to the new office culture."
"acclimate" in conversation
Moving to a new city
How are you handling the heat here?
How are you handling the heat here?
It's tough, but I'm slowly acclimating to the humidity.
It's tough, but I'm slowly acclimating to the humidity.
Used here to describe physical adjustment to weather.
Starting a new job
Don't worry about the workload yet.
Don't worry about the workload yet.
Thanks, I'm just trying to acclimate to the team's workflow.
Thanks, I'm just trying to acclimate to the team's workflow.
Used here to describe adjusting to a professional environment.
"acclimate" in a sentence
It takes a few days to acclimate to the high altitude.
It takes a few days to acclimate to the high altitude.
The new software is powerful, but employees need time to acclimate to the interface.
The new software is powerful, but employees need time to acclimate to the interface.
Migratory birds must quickly acclimate to the changing temperatures upon their arrival in the northern forests.
Migratory birds must quickly acclimate to the changing temperatures upon their arrival in the northern forests.